Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has undergone several trials and tribulations over the past two years. The firm was hit with hurdles put up by law enforcement across the globe. Amidst this, its native cryptocurrency Binance Coin (BNB) was seen moving forward untethered. Similar to Bitcoin (BTC), BNB managed to hit several peaks during 2024. Will the asset carry this trend into 2025 as well?

Also Read: Bitcoin Reclaims $101,000: Will BTC Hit $140,000 Next?

Binance Coin Remains Below $800

During the time of writing, BNB was trading at $730.80, following a 2.28% rise over the past 24 hours. The altcoin recorded a rather slow week at the beginning of the year. The highest that BNB could surge to was $745.15. Back in December, the asset reached a new all-time high of $793. Binance Coin is currently only 8% below this price level. It looks like one of the main goals for the asset will be to hit the much-awaited $800 mark.

Along with its price, the trading volume of the altcoin also recorded a spike. The daily trading volume of BNB currently stands at $2.13 billion after a 42% rise over the past 24 hours.

Also Read: How High Will Cardano (ADA) Surge After Trump Takes Office?

2025 Price Prediction

According to data from CoinCodex, it is projected that Binance Coin will trade in a range of $730.32 to $1,095.86 in 2025, with an average yearly price of $938.94. Compared to the present rates, this may yield a possible return on investment of 50.00%.

As seen in the above image, April will be the most favorable month for the cryptocurrency. Binance Coin will record a slight setback after this month but will end the year above $1,000. It is quite evident that the next couple of months will be bullish for Binance’s native cryptocurrency.

Also Read: Ripple’s RLUSD Outshines PayPal and Euro: Could RLUSD Hit $1.80?

Thai police have launched a search for two Russian nationals accused of assaulting and robbing a fellow countryman over a lingering crypto-related dispute, an investigation that began immediately following the victim’s report on January 5.

According to a local report, authorities swiftly issued warrants after reviewing hotel surveillance footage. This incident occurred at a luxury hotel in Karon.

The victim, identified only as Mr. Zelimkhan, reported to local authorities that on the night of January 5, he was attacked in his hotel room by an intruder who sought to settle an unresolved crypto debt.

According to the police, Andrei, the alleged mastermind, confronted Zelimkhan about an outstanding sum of $120,000.

The assailant, after failing to coerce Zelimkhan into unlocking his crypto wallet, resorted to violence, leaving the victim bruised and bound in his bathroom.

The assailants fled with approximately $20,000 in cash, while Zelimkhan eventually freed himself and alerted the authorities.

Thai Police Looking For Russian Suspects: Is This More Than A Crypto Theft?

The sequence of events leading to this alarming incident began with a knock at Zelimkhan’s hotel room door.

Expecting nothing more than routine service, Zelimkhan was instead met by a man speaking Russian, who forced his way inside and launched a physical assault.

Police reports indicate that Andrei had prior business dealings with Zelimkhan in Russia, specifically related to cryptocurrency.

Disputes over profits or failed transactions appear to have been the catalyst for this violence.

As the confrontation escalated, Andrei demanded access to Zelimkhan’s crypto wallet and threatened his life if he refused.

Despite enduring punches and kicks, Zelimkhan withheld his wallet’s password, prompting the assailant to search his belongings instead.

The intruder seized $20,000 in cash, tying Zelimkhan to a bathroom door rail and striking him on the head, leaving him unconscious.

CCTV footage later revealed that Andrei fled towards Chalong Five-Way Junction while his accomplice, Dmitri, exited Thailand hours after the attack, heading for Dubai.

Ongoing Manhunt Amid Rise In Cryptocurrency Crimes

According to Chainalysis’ December 2024 Crypto Crime Report, $2.2 billion was stolen from crypto platforms in 2024, a 21.07% increase from the previous year. Hacking incidents increased from 282 in 2023 to 303 in 2024.

Similarly, in September 2024, the FBI reported a 45% increase in crypto-related fraud and theft cases over the past year.

The immense value and anonymity of digital assets make them prime targets for criminal enterprises.

This case in Phuket mirrors other high-profile incidents where illegal control over cryptocurrency has spiraled into physical violence.

Just yesterday, seven Pakistani suspects, including a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officer, were arrested for kidnapping Karachi-based crypto trader Mohammed Arsalan and extorting $340,000 in cryptocurrency.

A Karachi crypto trader was kidnapped for $340K, with seven suspects arrested, including a CTD officer.#Pakistan #CryptoTraderhttps://t.co/eyDuaaQWZX

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 6, 2025

Arsalan was abducted on December 25 after being lured by a man posing as a potential dollar buyer.

Held for hours, he was forced to transfer the ransom through his Binance account to wallets controlled by the kidnappers.

The Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) arrested the suspects, including several habitual offenders, but efforts continue to apprehend other accomplices.

Notably, following the attack on Mr. Zelimkhan, the Phuket Provincial Court issued arrest warrants for Andrei and Dmitri on charges of robbery, aggravated assault, and unlawful confinement.

Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai confirmed that while Dmitri managed to flee, Andrei remained within Thai borders.

Immigration and local police forces are coordinating efforts to track him down.

Authorities believe Andrei has evaded detection by avoiding formal accommodation registrations.

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